The 162 game schedule, and the constant training required to be effective in the MLB can be quite grueling, leaving players to retire in the mid to late 30’s. However, there are some who are still productive beyond age 40. Who amongst the current group of players could get to that mark?
Major League Baseball is a grueling game that most players retire from before their late thirties. There are some, however, that make it past forty still playing at a productive level in the MLB.
Bartolo Colon and Ichiro Suzuki are the primary names that come to mind of players who are past forty and still playing at a productive level. It is a rarity to see players make it to forty much less past forty like both Suzuki and Colon have done.
Bartolo Colon had to reinvent himself with his loss of velocity and has done so successfully with the New York Mets. He has become a nice calming presence in New York and has eaten a lot of innings. While his career may soon come to an end, he has lasted a lot longer in the Major Leagues then many expected him to.
Ichiro Suzuki is one of the best hitters this game has seen in the last two decades. He continues to put together nice years as the platoon outfielder in Miami and has hit several notable milestones this season.
David Ortiz is headed out of baseball this season but is another notable name who has lasted in baseball past forty. He is having an amazing final season and is likely headed to a postseason berth with the Red Sox.
With these names in mind it is fair to wonder who else in will stay in the MLB past forty? While it is impossible to answer that question for sure, here is our best guess.